SHEPPEY has a new cricket team, rising like a phoenix from the ashes of Sheerness East.

A meeting was held at the Harps Inn for former members of the Sheerness East Working Men's Club cricket section, kicked out by their own committee at the end of last season after 80 years at the Halfway Oval.

About 20 players attended the meeting and were delighted to be informed by chairman, Andy Weale, that they had been invited to use the facilities at Eastchurch Cricket Club for the forthcoming season.

In addition, talks were in progress for the club to be housed at a new ground for the long-term.

The players voted overwhelmingly in favour of calling themselves Sheppey for their league fixtures, while their friendly team will chose a more light-hearted name, in deference to their former working men's club background.

Net practice for the new club starts this Saturday at 4.30pm at the Sheppey Leisure Centre and all are welcome to attend. For an hour's practice the club charges £2 for adults, £1 for juniors.

Anyone interested should telephone Paul Butler on 01795 661872, or just turn up on the day.